The Bible and Facts Make A Clear Case For A Gun Free America

Christians have a duty to protect the innocent. This is made clear in numerous Biblical scripture and by the teachings of Jesus. Even St. Augustine, the creator of just war theory, believed that it was crucial for Christians to protect innocents.

Then why do Christians support private ownership of guns in America?

White, evangelical Christians are more likely to carry a gun (41% to 30% national average) and be against gun control (one-third to one-half national average). And many politicians are sending out their “prayers” to victims of the most recent mass school shooting in Florida. Interesting none of those politicians seem interested enough to send back their checks from the National Rifle Association.

But gun ownership in the United States does kill innocents. The Trump Administration and conservatives are quick to point out mental health as the reason for the Florida shooting. But other countries have people with mental health issues. Some conservatives will then say that it is “evil.” But the United States is not the only country with evil people.

Then why do mass shootings happen in the United States nearly every day of the year? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that there are more guns than people in the United States. Or that while the United States has 4% of the world’s population it has over 40% of the total number of guns.

The major justification that is given to keep guns by religious leaders is protection. One church leader said he felt “more comfortable” with his parishioners having concealed firearms with them in church. This is the tired false statement that guns provide personal protection. Yet for every justifiable homicide using guns, there are 32 murders, suicides, or accidental deaths using guns. That means that 31 innocent people have to die for every time someone is protected by using a gun. There is no justification in the Bible for this staggering sacrifice. As Jesus said “Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

It makes more sense for Christians to not just be able in support of gun control, but the elimination of gun ownership.